East Coast Alerts

By Mel Neale 6/19/2014

New Surf City Bridge Proposed, (AICW Mile 260.7) 65ft Clearance:
The purpose of this notice is to notify mariners, adjacent property owners, and government agencies that the North Carolina Department of Transportation proposes to replace the NC 50/210 (Topsail Island) Bridge at AICW mile 260.7 (34.430409°-77.549765°), at Surf City, Pender County, NC. Presently, in the closed position to vessels, the charted vertical clearance of the existing drawbridge is 13 feet above mean high water (MHW) and unlimited vertical clearance in the full open position, with 92 feet of horizontal clearance between the fenders. The proposed replacement would be a fixed bridge that will provide a vertical clearance of 65 feet above MWH, with a horizontal clearance of 120 feet. The bridge piers would be designed for vessel impact with no fender system to be constructed. It is requested that the Coast Guard be provided with navigational information such as the sizes and types of vessels presently owned and operated around this location on the AICW as they relate to the proposed vertical and horizontal clearances. Comments should be forwarded to the above address attention (dpb) no later than July 11, 2014. Copies of Preliminary Public Notice 5-1302 which describes the proposal in detail can be obtained by calling (757) 398-6587 or by viewing at www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=pnBridges. (5th District Bridge Branch)*

*Italicized text above and below indicates our comment or paraphrase.Plain textis copied from the Notices to Mariners or other sources given.

DC 4th of July Celebration Security Zone:Check for local restrictions and bridge closings in your area as you make plans for the weekend of the 4th of July. The following security zone is for the nation's capital:
The annual July 4th Celebration on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. will occur on Friday, July 4, 2014. As described in Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations Section 165.508, a security zone is established upon the waters of the Georgetown Channel, Potomac River, within 75 yards from the eastern shore measured perpendicularly to the shore, between the Long Railroad Bridge (the most eastern bridge of the 5-span, Fourteenth Street Bridge Complex) (38.873953° -77.039796°) to the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Bridge and all waters in between, totally including the waters of the Georgetown Channel Tidal Basin. This security zone will be enforced from 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on July 4, 2014, and is necessary to control vessel traffic for the security and safety of life and property on navigable waters during the event. The effect will be to restrict vessel traffic on certain portions of the Potomac River. Entry into or remaining in this zone is prohibited unless authorized by the Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) Baltimore, Maryland. Persons or vessels requiring entry into or passage through the security zone must first request authorization from the COTP Baltimore to seek permission to transit the area. The COTP Baltimore can be contacted at telephone number (410) 576-2693. The Coast Guard vessels enforcing this security zone can be contacted on marine band radio Channel 16 VHF-FM (156.8 MHz). Upon being hailed by a U.S. Coast Guard vessel by siren, radio, flashing light, or other means, the operator of a vessel shall proceed as directed. If permission is granted, all persons and vessels must comply with the instructions of the COTP Baltimore and proceed at the minimum speed necessary to maintain a safe course while within the zone. The U.S. Coast Guard may be assisted in the patrol and enforcement of the zone by Federal, State, and local agencies. Address any comments or questions to the Sector Command Center, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Baltimore, at telephone (410) 576-2693. (5th District LNM Week 23/2014)

General Announcements

HURRICANE INFORMATION (Update 7th District LNM 22):
The hurricane season extends from June 1st through November 30th. Hurricanes can cause excessive damage to vessels and loss of life. To minimize these dangers, the following precautions should be taken by all mariners before getting underway during the hurricane season:
(a) Instruction of crew and passengers in location of emergency equipment and emergency procedures;
(b) Pre-sailing check of vessel, machinery, and equipment for seaworthiness;
(c) Installation of strong ground tackle;
(d) Review of storm center evasion procedures;
(e) Knowledge of nearest hurricane shelter or port; and
(f) Constant radio watches on channel 16 VHF-FM and frequent monitoring of weather broadcasts.
The civilian hurricane warning service for the North Atlantic is provided by the National Hurricane Center, Miami, Florida. The center collates ship, aircraft, radar, and satellite data to produce and issue tropical cyclone warnings and forecasts for the North Atlantic Ocean, including the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. A Tropical Cyclone Public Advisory (TCP) is issued every six hours, with intermediate bulletins provided as needed. For tropical storms and hurricanes threatening to cross the coast of the U.S., coastal warnings are issued to the public so that precautionary actions, including evacuation, can be initiated to minimize damage and loss of life.
Four alerts are issued:
(a) TROPICAL STORM WATCH – An announcement that sustained winds of 34 to 63 knots (39 to 73 mph or 63 to 118 km/hr) are possible within the specified area within 48 hours in association with a tropical, subtropical, or post-tropical cyclone.
(b) TROPICAL STORM WARNING – An announcement that sustained winds of 34 to 63 knots (39 to 73 mph or 63 to 118 km/hr) are expected somewhere within the specified area within 36 hours in association with a tropical, subtropical, or post-tropical cyclone.
(c) HURRICANE WATCH – An announcement that sustained winds of 64 knots (74 mph or 119 km/hr) or higher are possible within the specified area in association with a tropical, subtropical, or post-tropical cyclone. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical storm force winds.
(d) HURRICANE WARNING – An announcement that sustained winds of 64 knots (74 mph or 119 km/hr) or higher are expected somewhere within the specified area in association with a tropical, subtropical, or post-tropical cyclone. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds. The warning can remain in effect when dangerously high water or a combination of dangerously high water and waves continue, even though winds may be less than hurricane force.(Ed: Our Bold, New as of Superstorm Sandy)
Additional information of interest to mariners is included in the Tropical Cyclone Forecast/Advisory (TCM) and the Tropical Cyclone Surface Wind Speed Probabilities (PWS) products. The TCM provides current and forecast storm positions, intensities, and wind fields out to 120 hours. The PWS provides probabilities of sustained wind speeds equal to or exceeding 34-, 50-, and 64-kt wind speed thresholds for select coastal and offshore locations.
Mariners are reminded that aids to navigation, particularly lighted and unlighted buoys, may be moved from charted position, damaged, destroyed, extinguished, or otherwise deemed discrepant as a result of hurricanes and storms. Mariners should not rely solely upon the position or operation of an aid to navigation, but also employ such other methods of determining position as may be available. Port Hurricane Conditions are set up by the COTP and will change as the threat of severe weather increases, or as a storm approaches a specific COTP Area of Responsibility. For COTP-specific Port Hurricane Conditions, you should review information provided under the Port Directory tab of http://homeport.uscg.mil
Condition 4 – Hurricane Seasonal Alert. 01 June–30 November; port status: open.
Condition Whiskey – Sustained Gale Force winds associated with Tropical Cyclone activity are predicted within 72 hours; port status: open.
Condition X-Ray – Sustained Gale Force winds associated with Tropical Cyclone activity are predicted within 48 hours; port status: open.
Condition Yankee – Sustained Gale Force winds associated with Tropical Cyclone activity are predicted within 24 hours; port status: restricted; vessel/facility control measures in effect.
Condition Zulu – Sustained Gale Force winds associated with Tropical Cyclone activity are predicted within 12 hours; port status: closed to all vessel traffic and waterside activities except for activities approved by the COTP.
Drawbridges along the coast may deviate from normal operating procedures. Drawbridges are authorized to remain closed upon approach of Gale Force winds of 34 knots or greater. Extended closure periods may be authorized up to 8 hours prior to arrival of Gale Force winds to facilitate evacuation of land traffic. Due to the uncertainty of hurricane movements and bridge closures, mariners are urged to seek passage through drawbridges well in advance of the arrival of Gale Force winds. (7th District LNM 22/2014)

Lat/Long Positions in Alerts:Lat/Long positions derived from Google Earth will be given for significant places in the Alerts, such as bridge locations. These will be in italics, and in the following format: (xx.xxxxxx°-xx.xxxxxx°) for locations new with this alert. Where a Lat/Long position is copied from a USCG Local Notice to Mariners (LNM) or from the Light Lists, it will be in whatever format the Coast Guard has used which varies between districts and LNM and Light List writers, and will be in plain text, rather than italics. Some positions are approximate. We do not provide this information for navigational purposes and it should not be used as such.

NOTE: For the summer season, we are switching the order of the Alerts to geographical North to South.

USCG First District
Coastal Waters from Eastport, Maine to Shrewsbury, New Jersey

Waterway Closure, Maine-Kennebec Bridge:
The Coast Guard will enforce a temporary waterway closure at the Maine Kennebec Bridge construction zone from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm on July 8 and 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm on July 10, 2014. This closure is needed to facilitate heavy lift operations during construction of the new bridge. During this closure, all persons and vessels will be prohibited from entering the regulated navigation area that encompasses a 300 yard radius around position 44-05'27"N, 069 46'57"W, located at the center of the bridge, unless authorized by Coast Guard Sector Northern New England Captain of the Port. For more information regarding this closure, contact the bridge construction Foreman on channel 16 VHF-FM or by calling 207-319-8458. The Coast Guard may be contacted on channel 16 VHF-FM or by calling 207-767-0302. (First District LNM Week 24/2014)

Scuttled Fishing Vessel, Gloucester, MA:
On June 6, 2014 at 12:25 the F/V BLUE SKIES, NO. #273326 was scuttled in 306 feet of water in position 42-45.711N / 070-11.299W. For further information call Bill Lee 978-502-5994. (First District LNM Week 23/2014)

Navy Testing in Hudson Canyon Area:
The US Navy will be conducting research and testing operations in an area of which the center is located approximately 110 nm South-Southwest of Martha's Vineyard near the Hudson canyon area. The operations will take place from 15 June 2013 thru 01 July 2014 on a continuous 24 hour a day schedule within a box defined by the following corner points:
NW corner: 40 deg 00 min N, 72 deg 18 min W,
NE corner: 40 deg 00 min N, 71 deg 42 min W
SE corner: 39 deg 30 min N, 71 deg 42 min W
SW corner: 39 deg 30 min N, 72 deg 18 min W
In this area and during this time frame there will be numerous test equipment/surface obstructions posing a hazard to navigation to transiting surface craft. In addition vessels are requested to give a wide berth and be alert when in proximity of this area and If possible, vessels should regard this as an area to be avoided. All vessels should contact NAWC-38 on channel 16 for any emergencies or concerns. (First District LNM Week 23/2014)

Burned and Sunken Sailing Vessel, Rhode Island Sound:
The S/V EQUIS caught fire and sank in Rhode Island Sound at approximate position 41 24.9 N 071 07.6 W; approximately 4NM southeast of Sakonnet Point, RI. The vessel is located in about 63' of water. Clearance over the vessel may be reduced. Mariners are advised to beware of debris from the sunken S/V EQUIS and should use caution when transiting in the vicinity. For more information or reporting details, please contact Sector Southeastern New England at 508-457-3214. (First District LNM Week 23/2014)

NOAA Hydrographic Survey Operations, Ship Thomas Jefferson:
1. NOAA Ship Thomas Jefferson (S222) will be conducting hydrographic survey operations throughout the area of Fisher Island Sound and Block Island Sound from 28 April 2014 through 15 August 2014.
2. NOAA Ship Thomas Jefferson (S222) will be conducting hydrographic survey operations throughout Buzzards Bay and Rhode Island Sound from 1 April 2014 through 30 September 2013.Thomas Jefferson is a 208-foot, white survey vessel and deploys two 31-foot, aluminum survey launches; survey vessels carry NOAA markings, can be identified on AIS, and will be monitoring VHF channels 13 and 16. Survey operations will be conducted 24-hrs a day from the ship and from 0730 through 1800 with survey launches. Mariners are requested to exercise caution when transiting the operational area. When towed hydrographic instrumentation is deployed, Thomas Jefferson will be restricted in her ability to maneuver. ... Questions or concerns can be addressed to the ship's Field Operations Officer via phone at: 757-647-0187 or 808-434-2706; or via email at: ops.thomas.jefferson@noaa.gov. (First District LNM Week 13/2014)

NOAA Hydrographic Survey Operations, Ship Ferdinand R. Hassler:
1. NOAA Ship Ferdinand R. Hassler (S250) will be conducting intermittent hydrographic survey operations in the approaches to Portsmouth, NH from approximately 14 April 2014 through 30 September 2014. (First District LNM Week 19/2014)
2. NOAA Ship Ferdinand R. Hassler (S250) will be conducting hydrographic survey operations in the area of Rhode Island Sound from approximately 4 June 2014 through 15 August 2014. (First District LNM 23/2014)Ferdinand R. Hassleris a 124-foot, white, twin-hulled survey vessel; the ship has NOAA markings, can be identified on AIS, and will be monitoring VHF channels 13 and 16. Survey operations will be conducted 24-hrs a day from the ship. Mariners are requested to exercise caution when transiting the operational area. When towed hydrographic instrumentation is deployed, Ferdinand R. Hassler will be restricted in her ability to maneuver. An overview of the survey area is shown below. Questions or concerns can be addressed to the ship's Field Operations Officer via phone at: (603) 812-8748 or via email at: ops.ferdinand.hassler@noaa.gov.

NY Harbor Dredging:
Dredging is being done in Upper Bay Shoal, between the north face of Military Ocean Terminal and the south face of the Global Marine Terminal, eastward out to the Federal Navigation Channel in the Upper Bay, until approximately September 23, 2014. The work is being done inside the following positions: 40-40-25.288N 074-05-08.857W; 40-40-18.618N 074-05-13.690W; 40-39-19.104W 074-03-26.498W and 40-39-37.903N 074-03-17.552W. The hours of operations are 7 days a week, 7:00 am - 7:00 pm (this may change to 24 hours a day). On scene will be the dredge F. J. BELESIMO, dump scow MIGHTY QUINN; tug JAY MICHAEL and survey vessel ALEX D that are monitoring VHF channels 16, 13 & 67. Mariners are requested to proceed at their slowest safe speed to minimize wake and proceed with caution after passing arrangements have been made. (First District LNM Week 24/2014)

Raritan River Dredging:
Dredging will be done at the Raritan River to Arthur Kill Cut-off (40.524374° -74.246911°)from June 30 - August 15. The hours of operation will be 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. On scene will be the dredge DELAWARE BAY, tugs PAUL ANDREW, SARAH ANN & ATLANTIC SALVOR and dump scow WITTE 4000 that will be working on VHF channel 78 and monitoring channels 13 & 14. Mariners are requested to transit at their slowest safe speed and proceed with caution after passing arrangements have been made. (First District LNM Week 24/2014)

Subsea Construction:
Subsea construction, including diving operations, will be done approximately 2.7 miles south of the Rockaway Peninsula in the following positions: 40-31-24.623N 073-51-39.861W and 40-33-11.837N 073-52-26.650W.
The work will be done from June 1, - September 1, 2014, 7 days week and 24 hours a day. On scene will be the DB BOAZ that will be monitoring VHF-FM channels 13 and 16. The WEEK'S 571 will be on scene from June 1 - June 15; the WEEK'S 751 will be on scene from June 13 - August 27 and the SUPER CHIEF will there from July 7 - November 4. Mariners are requested to proceed with caution after passing arrangements have been made on Channel 13.
The following buoys will be deployed during construction to denote the edges of the permitted temporary work space for the project. Each buoy would be a 24x60 inch general purpose can buoy with a 1 mile clear flashing solar light, or similar. Point Data for 14 lighted Buoys:
Point 1 – N40 33' 28.94 W73 51' 59.96
Point 2 – N40 33' 03.71 W73 51' 49.06
Point 3 – N40 32' 38.49 W73 51' 38.21
Point 4 – N40 32' 13.26 W73 51' 27.34
Point 5 – N40 31' 48.04 W73 51' 16.48
Point 6 – N40 31' 22.81 W73 51' 05.61
Point 7 – N40 31' 15.10 W73 51' 36.36
Point 8 – N40 31' 07.38 W73 52' 07.11
Point 9 – N40 31' 32.61 W73 52' 17.99
Point 10 – N40 31' 57.83 W73 52' 28.86
Point 11 – N40 32' 23.05 W73 52' 39.73
Point 12 – N40 32' 48.28 W73 52' 50.61
Point 13 – N40 33' 13.50 W73 53' 01.49
Point 14 – N40 33' 21.22 W73 52' 30.72 (First District LNM Week 22/2014)

USCG Fifth District
Coastal Waters from Shrewsbury River, New Jersey to Little River, South Carolina

Atlantic City Bridge Closure for Event:
Mariners are advised that the US40-322 (Albany Avenue) Bridge (39.353453° -74.456924°), at NJICW mile 70.0, across Inside Thorofare in Atlantic City, NJ will be closed to vessels requiring an opening on Sunday, June 29, 2014 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., to accommodate the Challenge Atlantic City Triathlon. At all other times, the drawbridge will operate in accordance with the operating regulation set out in Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations Part 117.733 (f). The available vertical clearance in the closed position is approximately 10 feet above mean high water. Mariners able to pass under the closed span may do so and use caution when transiting the area. (5th District LNM Week 24/2014)

Walt Whitman Bridge Urgent Repairs:
Mariners are advised that urgent structural repairs will be conducted at the Walt Whitman Bridge (39.904806° -75.129973°), at mile 96.8, across Delaware River, connecting Philadelphia, PA and Gloucester, NJ beginning the week of June 16, 2014 through July 31, 2014. To facilitate repairs, a work platform will be installed beneath a section of the bridge east of the Philadelphia tower, reducing the vertical clearance by approximately four feet. Quick flashing red lights will be positioned on all corners, to mark the bottom of the work platform under the bridge so as to draw the mariner's attention to the fact that the vertical clearance has been reduced. A safety boat will be stationed so as to have unimpeded view of both upstream and downstream access to the waterway area thereby assuring that all workmen can be alerted of a vessel's approach via marine radio on channel 13 VHF or by appropriate mechanical means, such as an air horn. Mariners are advised to exercise caution when transiting the area. (5th District LNM Week 24/2014)

Data Buoys off Chincoteague Inlet:
On or about June 10 2014, Robert Lehman with the Chincoteague Bay Field Office will establish three data buoys until June 30, 2014. The yellow buoys are in association with current and water characteristic monitoring. Chart 12211
Data Buoy A 37 53 06.4N—75 24 53.5W
Data Buoy B 37 50 42.9N—75 25 05.6W
Data Buoy C 38 00 06.7N—75 22 46.6W (5th District LNM Week 23/2014)

Severn River Living Shoreline Project:
On or about June 18, 2014 Central Marine Construction will be establishing, until September 1, 2014, a lighted mooring buoy in association with their authorized Living Shoreline Projects in the Severn River. The buoy will be approximately 680' NW of the 301 Bridge and 310' NW of the entrance to Cove of Cork.
Severn River:
Lighted Mooring Buoy A 39 00 21.96N—76 30 25.37W Fl W 4s White with blue band. (5th District LNM Week 24/2014)

James River Power Tower Repairs:
Mariners are advised that Precon Marine, INC. will be performing foundation repairs to the power distribution towers crossing the James River. Work will be confined to the area south west of the James River Bridge on towers 214/29 through 214/37. The work period is scheduled to be performed starting June 12, 2014 and ending by December 31, 2014. Equipment on site will be 100'x23' crane barge in a four point moor in the vicinity of tower 214/32, 36°58'54.77"N, 76°29'59.15"W. Each leg of the mooring is approximately 100' and the barge will be lit with white barge lights on each corner. Three 20' x 50' work barges will be stored at the crane barge during none work hours and be positioned directly next to the towers during work hours. Additionally there will be scaffolding and work float on the tower foundations supporting the repairs. During the work day the crews will monitor and answer VHF-FM channels 13 and 16, in the evening contact Herb Johnson at HCJohnson@preconmarine.com or 757-449-3196. Mariners should use extreme caution and maintain a no wake speed when transiting this work area. (5th District LNM Week 24/2014)

Lesner Bridge Construction: Lynnhaven Inlet:
Mariners are advised that construction work is in progress, by McLean Contracting Inc., through June 30, 2017 for the John A. Lesner Bridge (36.906575°-76.092033°) Replacement Project, at mile 0.0, over Lynnhaven Inlet along US 60/Shore Drive in Virginia Beach, VA. The new bridge will have a vertical clearance of 45 feet, above mean high water, along with a horizontal clearance of 150 feet between face of the fenders. A dredge material placement site will be located southwest of the existing bridge, adjacent to the boat ramp facility and used as a staging area. The contractor will access the lay down and staging area via the waterway through a proposed temporary bulkhead. In the event that mariners need to contact the contractor, tugboats and barges will be used and will monitor channel 13 VHF. For the duration of the project, the waterway and the highway shall remain open. Mariners should check for future notices on this bridge replacement project and use extreme caution when transiting the area. (5th District LNM Week 23/2014)

Broken Pound Net Stakes Hazard, Chesapeake Beach:
Mariners are advised that the pound nets located off of Chesapeake Beach in approximate position 36-54-56.136N 076-04-15.756W, were damaged due to the recent grounding of a motor vessel. it is believed that many of the piles are sheared off at the water's edge and pose a significant hazard to swimmers as well as small craft. Mariners are advised to stay well clear of the pound nets and use extreme caution when transiting the area. (5th District LNM Week 24/2014)

Old Gilmerton Bridge Demolition Update:At the Gilmerton Bridge(36.775082° -76.294999°): Currently, from 6:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. daily until August 3, 2014, two barges are occupying the entire channel at the Gilmerton Bridge for demolition work leaving no clearance for safe passage of vessels. Mariners needing to pass must provide a two-hour advanced notice by calling the bridge tender at (757) 485-5488 or via VHF channel 13. Additionally, the Gilmerton Bridge continues to operate per 33 Code of Federal Regulations 117.997(j) for mariners needing a bridge opening.
Moreover, an environmental containment cell around the pier and its fender system will be in place until the project's conclusion on or about August 3, 2014 to facilitate additional demolition work. The containment cell is rigidly connected to the existing bridge fender with its own fender system consisting of 8 inch x 8 inch timber bumpers with recessed connections, thereby reducing the bridge's horizontal clearance from approximately 125 feet to 124 feet.

North Carolina AICW Shoaling Reminder:Browns Inlet Crossing, North of the Onslow Beach Bridge, (34.598523°-77.241191°) Mile 238. Shoaling, shifting channel and often different markers than charted. This is a good example of many problem areas where an inlet, creek or river flows into or across the AICW causing frequent shoaling and changes.Shoaling to 2.6 feet is reported in the vicinity of green can 99A at Black Mud Creek (34.354514°-77.681862°), New Topsail Inlet area, approximately AICW Mile 270.5.

Little River Swingbridge Fender Repair:
Mariners are advised that R. L. Morrison and Sons, Inc will be working on the Little River Swingbridge, Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (33.851550°-78.656357°), fender system starting May 27, 2014. R. L. Morrison and Sons, Inc. will have a work barge in the waterway between 7:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. and from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and from 12:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. With the barge in the waterway, a 30 ft wide channel will be available at all times. Vessels requiring more than 30 ft of horizontal clearance should contact the on-scene tug and make arrangements for passage. The work will be from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays until August 23, 2014. Mariners are advised to transit the area with extreme caution. (7th District LNM Week 24/2014)

Carolina Bays Parkway Bridge Construction Delays to Begin:
The South Carolina Department of Transportation has hired Flatiron Constructors Inc. who has started building the SC 31, Carolina Bays Parkway, Myrtle Beach, Horry County, South Carolina (mile 372.3, 33.680933° -79.014272°). This project is anticipated to be completed by May 17, 2017 and will involve some waterway restrictions/closures. These channel restrictions/closures anticipated for this project will be published in future Local Notice to Mariners.
Trestle installation has been tentatively planned to start on June 11, 2014. This may involve some minor waterway restrictions. Mariners are advised to use caution transiting through this area as various floating equipment will be in the vicinity throughout the project. (7th District LNM 22/2014)

Darien River Hazard:
Darien River Daybeacon 10 (LLNR 36826.2) is damaged/leaning. The pile is leaning and is a hazard to navigation. A TRLB was set approximately 8 yards channelward of wreckage in position 31-22-47.555N/081-21-00.185W displaying Fl Q R characteristics. Mariners are advised to use extreme caution while transiting the area. (7th District LNM Week 24/2014)

Brunswick River Hazard:
Brunswick Point Cut Range Rear Light (LLNR 6235) is destroyed. The structure has deteriorated and fallen over. The area surrounding the range is considered a hazard to navigation. A TRLB with Fl Q W, 4NM is marking the hazard in position 31-05-52.313N/081-26-03.498W. Mariners are advised to transit the area with exteme caution. (7th District LNM Week 24/2014)

St. Johns River Hazard:
Quarantine Island Upper Range Front Light (LLNR 7450) (30-22-58.797N, 081-33-40.027W) is destroyed and is a hazard to navigation. Approximately 1ft of the piling is visible above the waterline 2-hours after high-tide. Mariners are advised to transit the area with extreme caution. (7th District LNM Week 24/2014)

Ponce Inlet Area Dredging:
Mariners are hereby notified to use caution, when navigating Ponce De Leon Inlet (29.092396°-80.949043°) from the Intracoastal Waterway along the Halifax River to the Atlantic Ocean and from the Intracoastal Waterway along the Indian River to the Atlantic Ocean. The project consists of dredging Ponce De Leon Inlet Cuts 1A, 1S, 2S, 3A, 3N, 5N, and Cut 6N. The 150-ft long hopper dredge "MURDEN" will be used to perform dredging operations. The project will last approximately 46 days. Dredging is scheduled to commence on or about 17 May 2014. Mariners should operate vessels with caution in the area due to potential for floating debris, increased traffic due to the operation, and large equipment working in and along the waterway. The dredge will be monitoring VHF channels 13 and 16. All vessels are to comply with the Inland Navigational Rules Act of 1980 (33 U.S.C. 2001-2038). US Army Corps of Engineers point of contact is Ms. Shelley Trulock, Senior Project Manager at (904) 232-3292 or email Shelley.F.Trulock@usace.army.mil. (7th District LNM Week 21/2014)

Okeechobee Waterway Update:On June 18, 2014 at 2400 hours the lake level was reported at 12.70 feet and the navigational depths were reported at 6.64 feet for Route 1 (26°58'32.23"N, 80°38'22.92"W) and 4.84 feet for Route 2 (Rim Route) (26°47'0.61"N, 26°47'0.61"N).
You can usually check the daily lake level and navigational depths at http://w3.saj.usace.army.mil/h2o/reports/r-oke.html

Unmanned Semi-Submersible Vehicle Testing:
Lockheed Martin – Palm Beach in conjunction with the United States Navy will be conducting offshore testing of two unmanned, remotely piloted, semi-submersible vehicles, the testing will range from 1-5 miles off shore from Lake Worth Inlet (26.767292° -80.023493°) to Boynton Beach Inlet. Operations will take place beginning 5/28/2014 and ending 12/31/2014. Hours of ops will mostly be during daylight hours but at various times throughout the year they will be operating at night. The Lockheed Martin RHIB Boats and Sea Tow RHIB Boats will support the semi-submersibles in all operations, both RHIB boats will be in constant radio contact with the Operations crew, and will be equipped with a remote kill switch. The RHIB Boats will be monitoring VHF-FM Channel 16. Mariners are advised to stay clear of the RHIB boats and the Semi-submersible vehicle by 200 yards. In addition, there will be some diving operations mariners are advised to stay at least 200 yards from the posted dive flags, and float balls. (7th District LNM 22/2014)

Julia Tuttle Reef Site Deployment Begins:
Deployment Dock and Marine will begin to deploy various concrete slabs and pilings at the Julia Tuttle Reef Site. Deployments will be occurring on average once every two weeks for a period of three months starting May 12, 2014. The reef material is varied concrete slabs at least 4 inches thick and concrete pilings a minimum of 2ft long in approximate position 25°48.869N/080°10.131W. POC for the project is Sara Thanner (305) 372-6859. Mariners are advised to stay clear of the area during operations. (7th District LNM Week 23/2014)

Government Cut Rock Hazard:
The USCG received a report of a rock formation in approximate position 25-45-54.12N/080-08-03.00W, in Government Cut outside of the navigable channel. The obstruction sits about 3ft below the surface at low-tide. Mariners are advised to transit the area with extreme caution and to stay within the navigable waterway. (7th District LNM Week 24/2014)

Bird Stakes for Seagrass Fertilizer Update, June 12, 2014:
Biscayne National Park, Miami Dade County, Florida (BISC) project site for "Seagrass Habitat Restoration Project" includes the temporary installation of bird stakes. Bird stakes will be placed in restoration areas to encourage roosting of waterfowl and provide natural fertilizer to the seagrass beds. The bird stakes are constructed of 3/4 inch PVC poles and 4 inch x 4 inch x 2 inch treated wood blocks attached to poles. Bird stakes will be placed throughout the interior of the injury areas at 6.6 feet intervals. "NO BOATING/RESTRICTION AREA" signs will be posted at the restored areas (sites listed below) for approximately 12-18 months. The restoration signs, constructed of aluminum will be 46cm wide x 36 cm tall with a white reflective background. For further information contact Amanda Bourque at 786-335-3626 or email Amanda_bourque@nps.gov.
West Featherbed Bank - Restored
25-31-59.30N/080-15-20.230W
80 Bird stakes, 5 Restoration Signs
The remaining site (East) Featherbed will be restored in the future.
East Featherbed
25-31-19.310N/080-11-13.780W
2 Bird Stakes, 1 Restoration Sign (7th District LNM Week 24/2014)

More Florida Straits Nav Aids Changes, Comments Requested:
Alligator Reef Light (LLNR 980) (24-51-06.435N, 080-37-07.857W) optic to be permanently discontinued from Alligator Reef Light and a more reliable LED (Light-emitting diode) lantern installed onto a new adjacent structure to be erected in the vicinity of the current aid. The RACON will be permanently discontinued. Alligator Reef Lighthouse is unstable and the Coast Guard is unable to provide service to the light on the existing structure due to safety concerns.
The following change has been proposed to the aids to navigation system in the Straits of Florida:
Sombrero Key Light (LLNR 1000) (24-37-40.240N, 081-06-38.927W) optic to be permanently discontinued from Sombrero Key Light and a more reliable LED (Light-emitting diode) lantern installed onto a new adjacent structure to be erected in the vicinity of the current aid. The RACON will be permanently discontinued. Sombrero Key Light is unstable and the Coast Guard is unable to provide service to the light on the existing structure due to safety concerns.
The following change has been proposed to the aids to navigation system in the Straits of Florida:
American Shoal Light (LLNR 1015) (24-31-30.422N, 081-31-09.898W) optic to be permanently discontinued from American Shoal Light and a more reliable LED (Light-emitting diode) lantern installed onto a new adjacent structure to be erected in the vicinity of the current aid. The RACON will be permanently discontinued. American Shoal Light is unstable and the Coast Guard is unable to provide service to the light on the existing structure due to safety concerns.
All comments should be emailed to: D07-SMB-DPWPublicComments@uscg.mil with American Shoal Light Proposed Changes as the subject line and be received by 29 July 2014. Comments can also be mailed to Commander (DPW), Seventh Coast Guard District 909 SE 1st Avenue (STE 406), Brickell Federal Plaza Bldg, Miami, FL, 33131. (7th District LNM Week 23/2014)

Dry Tortugas Light to be Disestablished:
The following change has been proposed to the aids to navigation system in Sand Key:
-DRY TORTUGAS LIGHT (LLNR 1095) (24-38-00.021N, 082-55-13.958W) disestablish
All comments should be emailed to: D07-SMB-DPWPublicComments@uscg.mil with Dry Tortugas Light Proposed Changes as the subject line and be received by 15 July 2014. Comments can also be mailed to Commander (DPW), Seventh Coast Guard District 909 SE 1st Avenue (STE 406), Brickell Federal Plaza Bldg Miami FL 33131. (7th District LNM Week 20/2014)

Tampa Bay Area, Beach Renourishment:
The Weeks Marine, Inc along with Dredge E.W. ELLEFSEN and or attendant plant will arrive in the Egmont Channel Inlet (27.605500°-82.751153°) on about June 22, 2014. All equipment will be anchored outside the channel, to the north, and between Mullet Key Channel LB 21 (LLNR 22365) and LB 23 (LLNR 22375).
Submerged pipeline is laid at multiple locations along the beach between:
27°45'59.52N/ 082°48'13.58W and
27°41'24.20N/ 082°45'49.53W
Upon completion of pipeline laying operations (approximately 1 July 2014) the Dredge EW ELLEFSEN will be moved to the Egmont East Borrow area located just outside of Egmont Channel LB 15 (LLNR 22315) to commence loading scow barges with dredged sand to be hauled by tugs, to the various pumpout barge locations described above. The above described work is scheduled to be completed by 1 September 2014. Operations will continue on twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven days per week basis. The dredge and tugs will monitor marine VHF channels 16 and 67. Mariners are urged to use extreme caution and transit the area at their slowest safe speed to create minimum wake after passing arrangements have been made. Weeks Marine POC: Ronnie Rhoades (985) 875- 2500 or rsrhoades@weeksmarine.com. (7th District LNM Week 24/2014)

Florida Hazards to Navigation:
The Coast Guard received a report of a submerged 25ft S/V with a broken mast 3ft above the waterline in approximate position 27-39-2N/082-45.5W in the vicinity of the entrance to Bunces Pass. The S/V is unmarked and unlit. Mariners are advised to transit the area with extreme caution. (7th District LNM Week 23/2014)Bulow Creek:The Coast Guard received a report of a destroyed "Slow Speed" sign broken off below the waterline except at low-tide. The remains pose a hazard to navigation. Mariners are advised to transit the area with extreme caution. (7th District LNM Week 23/2014)
Indian River (North Section) Daybeacon 92 (28-14-24.926N, 080-40-02.209W) is destroyed. The remains of the pile is leaning at a 45 degree angle two feet out of the water and is a hazard to navigation. Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution while transiting the area. (7th District LNM Week 23/2014)

Florida Bridge Update: From the USCG 7th District LNM Week 24/2014:NOTE: Information new with this alert is in bold. There are many on-going projects lasting sometimes for years. You can "Search" a bridge name for previous East Coast Alerts that may contain information that is still current. Bridges that have vertical height reduced (or other severe restriction) will remain on this list until the restriction is removed.Atlantic Boulevard Bridge (AICW Mile 744.7): Genesis CEI Services, LLC has advised the Coast Guard that due to painting operations on the Atlantic Boulevard (SR 10) (30.323251°-81.438770°) Bridge across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (San Pablo Creek) mile 744.7, Duval County, Florida. The vertical clearance of the 65 foot high bridge will be reduced by four feet slightly more than one-half the channel from April 10, 2014 through April 10, 2015. The contractor will maintain 65 ft of vertical clearance within a 45 ft horizontal clearance at all times on one side of the channel. Mariners are requested to proceed through the east side of the channel through this area. Main Street Bridge, St. Johns River: The Coast Guard has approved a temporary change to the operating schedule of the Main Street Bridge (30.322626° -81.658613°)across the St Johns River, Jacksonville, Florida, due to bridge repairs. From January 24 through December 30, 2014, the Main Street Bridge will open with a two hour advance notice between the 6:00 a.m. and 6:59 p.m. to the bridge tender either via VHF-FM channel 9 or by calling 904-891-2191. Between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 5:59 a.m. a four hour advance notice to the bridge tender will be required to receive an opening. During the painting operation the contractor will be placing scaffolding under the bridge which will reduce the vertical clearance of the bridge up to 10 feet. Superior Construction Company has advised the Coast Guard that they will be using a snooper truck as part of this operation which will reduce the vertical clearance to 22 feet at different locations. The snooper truck can be removed if 30 minutes advance notice is provided.Update: The 2 hour notice for an opening will be in effect for this week, 06/16/14 –06/20/14, between the hours of 9am and 4pm due to repairs being made on the towers near the lift span. The advanced notice for an opening will also be in effect beginning at 9pm Friday night, 06/20/14 and ending at 6am Sunday morning, 06/22/14 due to repairs being made under a full bridge traffic detour. Between the hours of 6am and 7pm, a 2 hour notice is required, between the hours of 7pm to 6am a 4 hour notice is required. We greatly appreciate everyone's patience and understanding in this matter.
Additionally, to support mariners with the latest information we have provided a cell phone to the bridge tenders at the Main Street Bridge who can be contacted at any time, 904-891-2191. US 192 Bridge: M&J Construction Company will be repairing and painting the SR 500 (US 192) Bridge (28.082960° -80.591610°) across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, Canaveral, Florida (this bridge is actually the Melbourne Causeway Bridge between Melbourne and Indiatlantic). The vertical clearance of the 65 foot high bridge will be reduced by five feet slightly more than one-half the channel from September 3, 2013 through September 1, 2014. The contractor will maintain 65 ft of vertical clearance within a 45 ft horizontal clearance at all times on one side of the channel. Currently the contractor is working on the west side of the channel. Mariners are requested to proceed through the east side of the channel through this area.Hobe Sound Bridge: Martin County, the bridge owner, of the Hobe Sound Bridge across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, Hobe Sound, Martin Country, Florida, has advised the Coast Guard that they are planning on painting this bridge starting in May 2014. This work will include a reduction of vertical clearance by 5 feet on half the channel and may include single-leaf operations with a two hour advance notice for a double-leaf opening. There may be a barge located under the down leaf; but that determination has not been made at this time. This work in anticipated to start in May 2014 and is projected to end on August 2014.Indiantown Road Bridge (AICW Mile 1006.2): The work scheduled for the Indiantown Road (SR 706) Bridge (26.933648° -80.084072°) across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway mile 1006.2, Jupiter, Florida has been cancelled and will be rescheduled.Flagler Memorial Bridge: The Florida Department of Transportation has advised that the Flagler Memorial Bridge will be placed in the open to navigation position for a six month period. Mariners are reminded that the horizontal clearance at the Flagler Memorial Bridge (26.718200°-80.044761°) is currently set at 70 feet and will remain until the new bridge is built and this bridge is removed.
Due to a concrete pumping operation over the Flagler Memorial Bridge, the vertical clearance over the waterway will be limited to 64 ft during the operation. Vessels requiring more than 64 ft of vertical clearance should contact the bridge tender at least four hours in advance to schedule the removal of the pipe over the waterway. This operation will be conducted at least 2 or 3 times a week from Monday through Friday between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. starting May 27, 2014 and ending on October 31, 2014. Mariners are requested to contact Primary - 813 235 3056 (Ricardo Baraybar) Secondary - 561 253 6995 (PCL Office) to make arrangements to have the vertical clearance restriction removed.
With the Flagler Memorial Bridge left in the open to navigation position from May 12, 2014 until October 31, 2014, all vehicle traffic will be detoured to the bridges south of this structure. For this reason, the Royal Park Bridge will be on an hourly schedule at the quarter-hour (open once an hour on the quarter past the hour) from 6:16 a.m. until 8:14 p.m. Monday through Friday, except that from 7:16 a.m. to 9:14 a.m. and from 4:16 p.m. to 6:14 p.m. this bridge will be allowed to remain closed to navigation. At all other time including Federal Holidays this bridge will open on the quarter-hour and three-quarter hour. The Southern Boulevard Bridge will remain on the twice an hour schedule (top of the hour and bottom of the hour), except that from 7:31 a.m. to 9:29 a.m. and from 4:01 p.m. to 5:59 p.m. (Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays), this bridge will be allowed to remain closed to navigation.
PCL Construction will be working on the new Flagler Memorial Bridge and will have floating equipment in the vicinity of the Flagler Memorial Bridge. Any and all channel restrictions/closures in support of this new structure will be published in future Local Notice to Mariners and Broadcast Notice to Mariners. This bridge construction is anticipated to be completed by September 1, 2016.Southeast 3rd Avenue Bridge (New River): The bridge owner, Broward County, has advised the Coast Guard that they will be painting the Southeast 3rd Avenue Bridge (26.117044°-80.140402°) across the New River, Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, Florida. This operation will be conducted from 9:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. each day from June 9 through July 15, 2015. There will be a barge in the waterway which will be moved upon request. Advance notice to the tug operator would be appreciated.South Fork, New River, Ft. Lauderdale: I-95 Bridge: Seminole Equipment is working on the I-95 Bridge (26.096434° -80.169002°) across the South Fork of the New River, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Due to painting operations the vertical clearance will be reduced by 5 feet from January 7, 2014 through June 2014. The containment system can be retracted by two feet if 24 hours notice is provided to the contractor.
V&M Erectors will be working on another section of the I-95 Bridge across the New River. This work will close the navigation channel at night from 10:00 p.m. through 5:00 a.m. daily, April 6 through September 1, 2014. Mariners requesting passage at night should call 954-290-1877 and provide a two hour advance notice. V&M Erectors may be working on the bridge during daylight hours; but the floating equipment will be placed outside the channel limits. Mariners are request to use caution when transiting through this area as there are currently three projects on going in this congested area.CSX Railroad Bridge: The contractor working on the CSX Railroad Bridge (26.096456° -80.169348°) replacement across the South Fork of the New River mile 2.8, Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, Florida has requested to temporarily change the regulation governing the existing CSX Railroad Bridge. This temporary regulation change has been approved and has placed this bridge to an on demand schedule whereas the bridge will be placed in the closed to navigation position during certain portions of the construction operations with an open on demand schedule. Mariners are requested to contact the bridge tender on VHF-FM channel 9 for opening and passing information. The pile driving operation is scheduled to begin on February 14, 2014 on the north side of the channel with completion scheduled for June 3, 2014. The pile driving operation on the south side is scheduled to begin in August 2014. The Coast Guard has approved a temporary schedule change for the CSX Railroad Bridge across the South Fork of the New River.
The horizontal clearance of the CSX Railroad Bascule Bridge across the New River (South Fork) mile 2.8, Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, Florida has been temporarily reduced to 56 feet.SE 17th Street Causeway Bridge: Coastal Marine Construction Inc, has been contracted by Florida Department of Transportation to replace the power/submarine cable of the SE 17th Street Causeway (E Clay Shaw) Bridge (26° 6'1.83"N, 80° 7'7.33"W) across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, Florida. Due to the cable installation, the SE 17th Street Causeway will be placed on single-leaf opening during regularly scheduled opening with a three hour advance notice for a double-leaf opening from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily, Monday through Saturday between April 14 and August 30, 2014.Julia Tuttle Bridge (25.810477°-80.176635°): Marin & Marin Construction, Inc will be conducting emergency repairs on the southeast fender system. The project will begin on June 24, 2014 and last approximately 10 days. The company will have equipment on scene for the entire duration including a 120'x30' barge that will be on the southeast corner of the fender pile system and will not impede the navigable channel. The tug can be contacted on VHF-FM channel 16/13. For further information contact Jackie, 305-594-1882. All mariners are advised to transit the area with caution.Blackburn Point Bridge: Due to bridge repairs, the Blackburn Point Swingbridge (27.179649° -82.494375°) across the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, Osprey, Sarasota County, Florida will be closed to navigation for several nights between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. during the week of June 23, 2014. An opening is available during these closure periods, if two hours advance notice is provided to the bridge tender.

This information is not to be used for navigation. Consult the latest charts and Local Notices to Mariners and use prudent seamanship. Conditions may change. Any person or entity that uses this information in any way, as a condition of that use, agrees to waive and does waive and also hold authors harmless from any and all claims which may arise from or be related to this use.